Woman charged with animal cruelty in case of starving horses

A California woman has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty in connection with 17 horses that were found in various stages of starvation at several Flathead County locations in September.

Cynthia Jean Hamilton, 68 of Norco, California, is currently being held at the Flathead County Detention Center, according to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sept. 19, Flathead County Animal Control was dispatched to a residence in the Columbia Falls area for an animal cruelty complaint involving several horses. Initial observation by responding animal wardens led them to believe the five horses were not being fed adequately.

In the course of their investigation, information was gathered, indicating there were likely more horses belonging to the same owner being pastured at other addresses around the county, the Sheriff’s Office said. While following up on this information, wardens located 17 horses in total, all in very poor condition. It was reported that one horse may have died prior to the initial report.

Sheriff’s detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the pastures and subsequently seized the horses, which all were in various stages of starvation and experiencing other health issues.

The animals are currently in the care of Flathead County Animal Control.

“These types of cases, no matter what kind of animal, places a strain on the resources Flathead County agencies currently have in regards to care for seized animals,” the press release stated.

The horses are in need of grass hay or light alfalfa grass hay. Those able to help out are asked to email

Grass Hay or light alfalfa grass hay horses@flathead.mt.gov and indicate what you are willing to donate.